Motorists fear cars now too complex for DIY repairs
Wed, 20 Dec 2023
Two in three motorists now believe that modern cars are simply too complex to repair themselves.
What’s more, drivers also think cars are too high-tech for them to even diagnose problems without taking them to a garage.
The concern is most acute amongst those who own the very newest cars. Nearly three in four think repairing a new car is a no-go. But even a majority of used car owners now think fixing cars is out of bounds for the home mechanic.
However, the cost of living crisis is now leading to a worrying new concern, with 28% of motorists admitting they are now less likely to take their car to a mechanic. And one company now says this could lead to a ‘perfect storm’ brewing on UK roads.
"The ability to spot and repair vehicle faults used to be a skill shared among many motorists, meaning many routine but hugely important repairs could be carried out cheaply at home," says Juozapas Preiksa, vehicle diagnostic expert at OBDeleven.
"As cars have become increasingly complex, drivers have grown too confused and uncomfortable to get the toolbox out to repair their car."
He said this is leading to the popularity of the Bluetooth-enabled tools which his company produces. Bluetooth diagnostic tools scan for issues with the engine, gearbox, ABS system and many other functions.
Crucially, they also help motorists overcome fears that new cars are too complex to repair themselves, by precisely diagnosing issues for them to fix without visiting a garage.
Preiksa said that by using his tool alone, motorists had identified 65,000 issues in the three months up to November this year, with faulty licence plate lamps and low voltage in key fob remotes the most common issues.
Instead of visiting a mechanic – or, worse still, leaving faults undiagnosed, with potentially dangerous repercussions – Preiksa is urging motorists to consider purchasing a Bluetooth diagnostic tool.
They are 'growing in popularity' and sales are expected to continue rising as the cost of living crisis continues.
Can I clear faults on my car with an OBD reader?
